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Nutrition and immune function in the geriatric population.

J S Thompson, J Robbins, J K Cooper

Clinics in Geriatric Medicine

|May 1, 1987

Summary

Aging impairs helper T-lymphocytes, a defect also seen in malnutrition. Nutritional support can improve this immune deficiency in both ill and healthy aged individuals.

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Area of Science:

Immunology
Gerontology
Nutritional Science

Background:

Aging is associated with a decline in immune function, specifically affecting helper/inducer T-lymphocytes.
This age-related immune defect is characterized by both reduced numbers and impaired function of these critical immune cells.
Similar T-lymphocyte deficiencies are observed in protein-calorie malnutrition and zinc deficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the impact of nutritional support on T-lymphocyte function in aging.
To determine if nutritional interventions can ameliorate age-associated immune defects.

Main Methods:

The study likely involved assessing T-lymphocyte populations and function in aged animal models and human subjects.
Nutritional interventions were administered to assess their effects on immune parameters.
Comparison groups may have included younger individuals, malnourished subjects, or aged subjects receiving no nutritional support.

Main Results:

Aging leads to a significant decrease in the quantity and quality of helper/inducer T-lymphocytes.
Protein-calorie malnutrition and zinc deficiency also induce similar T-lymphocyte defects.
Nutritional support demonstrated an improvement in immune function in aged individuals, including those who are ill and potentially healthy.

Conclusions:

Age-related decline in T-lymphocyte function is a significant immunological issue.
Nutritional deficiencies, common in aging, exacerbate these immune defects.
Nutritional interventions represent a viable strategy to improve immune function in the elderly, regardless of their health status.

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